“Hmm? What are you saying? I am a creature of miasma,” The Queen explained patiently, having finally relaxed after realizing she was caught once again. “If you ever tried to enter my bed, my miasma would destroy you immediately.”

“That won’t be a problem for me,” I said, reaching out casually and touching her shoulder.

The Queen gasped, jerking back at the sudden feeling of touch she hadn’t experienced in ages.

“Y-you…” she looked at my hand, and upon seeing no damage, reached out and grabbed it, looking in wide-eyed wonder as the dark aura radiating from her didn’t touch me. “A-amazing! A mortal human who is unaffected by miasma!”

“I’m surprised you were worried about me. Given your previous display, I thought you would have delighted in me coming in and being destroyed by your miasma.”

Elaya did whatever the ghost equivalent of a blush was, looking down at her hands. “I may be a monster, but I still have the memories of a queen. Even though my former husband threatened you and tried to kill you, you still worked in his best interest and even are trying to help me. You could have easily killed me by now, but you’ve chosen not to.”

“Don’t get me wrong!” I raised my hands. “I’m not saving you on his behalf. Rather, I am on good terms with your children and thought it’d be nice if I could bring a mother back to them. You’ve never even met Eliana. Well, I guess she’s technically not yours, but your son doesn’t treat her any less like a sister.”

“Is he well?” She asked, raising her eyes, looking surprisingly emotional.

“He’s a man now.” I smiled gently.

She bit her lip cautiously. “Can you really do it? Can you free me from this prison?”

“You heard the conditions.” I shrugged. “You would be my servant.”

“I can’t survive long without a dungeon.”

“You won’t need to. I sort of have my own.”

“R-really now… a noble with a dungeon? You sound more like a Demon Lord.”

“Technically Dungeon Master.”

“I see…”

“What about your husband? Will it be okay?”

“Ex-husband!” She responded, pouting her lips. “Well, if we’re being honest, I was never his wife to begin with. I have her memories, but I was created by the dungeon. I’m more like a copy or reflection of her will and desires. You could also say I was created by her remorse, sadness, and resentment. Although I seek to end my curse and complete the lore, you could say my obsession with my ex isn’t from love or desire. I simply must, and that is my curse. To lose that desire, well, it is probably impossible.”

“Are you looking down on me?”

“My Ex is a man, and you are just a boy…” she sighed. “Besides, I have had many lovers over the years. Some of them have been incredible. For a young adventurer like you to… what did she say, break my mind, I’m sorry, but you are lacking.”

I glared. “You really are looking down on me! That’s it, for your children, and even that bastard King, I’m going to tame you and drag you out of this dungeon!”

“You can try!” Her eyes flashed dangerously. “But don’t forget, this is a dungeon of temptation, and I am its queen. You’ve finally caught my interest, so I’ve decided I will no longer consume your soul. Rather, it will be more entertaining to show these girls what a real woman can do to a man! I’ll take your own idea and throw it back at you. I’ll make you my sex slave! Rather than be some noble’s servant, I will make you my loyal minion! Don’t worry, all of your girls will have room in my new harem.”

“Hmph! Then let the true boss battle begin!”